A prominent seafront pub’s future has been thrown into doubt after hitting the market for more than £1 million.

The Royal in Ramsgate has remained open for business despite Thanet District Council's (TDC) recent nod for the building to become flats.

Now, a fresh question mark looms over the visually striking Harbour Parade establishment’s future after it went up for sale this week for £1.1m.

Estate agent Moore and Partners states: “This is a superb development opportunity with harbour and sea views.

“Planning permission has been granted for 10 apartments with ground floor and basement commercial space.”

Thorley, an eminent Kent pub chain, opened the venue opposite Ramsgate Harbour about 30 years ago but recently sold up for an undisclosed sum.

Last year Philip Thorley, the director of the Thanet business, said it will continue running The Royal until its new owners push forward with the development.

Specialising in traditional drinking holes, the firm also owns operates 18 pubs throughout Sandwich, Ramsgate, Margate and Broadstairs, including The Barnacle and Tartare Frigate.

The changing of hands came after housebuilder Jamie Copland in 2022 launched plans to replace the venue with a commercial space, demolish part of the pub and add a five-storey extension.

TDC’s planning committee approved the scheme the following August despite fears the modern makeover would “stick out like a sore thumb”.

Mr Copland in September this year launched another bid aiming to keep the change of use but reduces the number of flats to just five.

Documents submitted on his behalf state: “The existing commercial use on the ground and first floors is to be adapted and extended to the side to allow it to be more usable and effective.”

The council is yet to decide on the bid however, if plans press on the three new flats would be bigger than the previously proposed eight.

When the scheme came before TDC’s planning committee last year, there were fears the new development was too modern, but applicant Harbour Parade Ramsgate Ltd said it would be a “regenerative feature along the seafront promenade”.

Cllr Rebecca Wing (Green) said: “The royal building is not a particularly great-looking building presently.

“I just find that modern in-fill hideous, I have to say.

“It’s going to stick out like a sore thumb on that seafront.”

Eventually, the committee voted nine in favour, four against, and one abstention to delegate the bid to officers for approval.

The original planning papers showed the pub will be partially knocked down, with a five-storey extension - complete with roof terrace - built to the side.

Part of the ground floor and basement also has permission to be turned into commercial space.

The pub landlord has been contacted for comment.